Man set fire to homeless man's sleeping bag while he slept on Glasgow's streets

Man set fire to homeless man's sleeping bag while he slept on Glasgow's streets

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A MAN today admitted a murder bid on a dozing homeless man by setting fire to his sleeping bag.

At the High Court in Glasgow 52-year-old Graham Moffat pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Mareks Vilkins just before 2am on August 2, 2018 in East Campbell Street, Glasgow.

Moffat, who was wearing a distinctive red jacket, was caught on CCTV footage, pulling out a lighter and setting the sleeping bag alight, before walking away.

Prosecutor Liam Ewing said: “This took place at a set of steps at the main entrance to the Lodging House Mission.

“Around 10.30pm Mr Vilkins arrived with the intention of sleeping there for the night. He lay in his sleeping bag with the hood partially covering his head – and fell asleep.”

The CCTV footage was not shown in court, but Mr Ewing said: “The accused stops next to Mr Vilkins and puts his hand inside his jacket and then walks away,

“He then turns back towards Mr Vilkins, who is sleeping. A naked flame is seen in the right hand of the accused. He then bends down towards where Mr Vilkins is lying and remains in this position for 10 seconds.

“The accused then steps back and walks away from Mr Vilkins.”

Defence counsel Sarah Livingstone said: “Mr Moffat, who is also homeless, has a history of schizophrenia.

“He was examined by a psychiatrist who said he was fit to plead and that he was not unfit at the time of the offence. However, his behaviour on the CCTV footage is odd.

“There was no injury to the complainer in this incident.”

Judge Lord Matthews deferred sentence on Moffat for a background report and told him: “In view of the current emergency this will be adjourned until May 26.

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